Allergy to cow protein (cow's milk protein) most often appears in infants and young children, although it can also occur in adults. Cow protein allergy gives uncharacteristic symptoms and its diagnosis is long-term. However, if treated appropriately, your cow's milk allergy can pass. What are the causes and symptoms of cow protein allergy? What is the therapy? What diet is necessary then? What can and cannot be eaten?

Contents:

  1. Cow's milk allergy - causes
  2. Cow's milk allergy - symptoms
  3. Cow's milk allergy - research
  4. Cow's milk allergy - treatment
  5. Cow's milk protein allergy - what to eat?
  6. Allergy to cow's milk proteins - watch out for these products
  7. Menu for a child allergic to cow's milk proteins

Cow protein (cow's milk protein) allergymost often occurs in infants and young children (less often in adults), with non-specific symptoms.

Symptoms of cow's milk allergyare the result of a pathological reaction of the immune system to the action of milk proteins, most often casein, which accounts for 80% of milk proteins. milk proteins. The remaining 20 percent. are whey proteins.

They do not lose their allergenic properties even after:

  • pasteurization
  • heating
  • dry powder preparation

therefore the symptoms of allergy to cow's milk protein can also be caused by dairy products, including :

  • cheeses
  • butter
  • cream
  • whey
  • ice cream

Some children who are allergic to cow's milk also have allergic symptoms after consuming beef or veal.

However, individual reports indicate that longer exposure of milk to high temperature reduces its allergenicity, making bakery products containing milk proteins (baked cookies) tolerated by some of the consuming children.

Cow's milk allergy - causes

This type of food allergy is most common among infants and children under 3 years of age, less often in adolescents and adults. Why?

Milkit is the only component of the diet in the first months of life, and the main component of the diet in the following months. Eating only one type of food in combination with the immaturity of the digestive tract promotes the development of allergies.

A greater risk of developing an allergy to cow's milk protein occurs especially in children whose at least one parent is allergic.

Cow's milk allergy - symptoms

How is cow's milk allergy manifested ?

Symptoms of the skin, digestive and respiratory systems appear in both babies, children and adults.

In extreme cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.

Skin symptomsOcular symptomsRespiratory symptomsGastrointestinal symptoms
  • blush
  • itching
  • hives
  • skin eruptions
  • morbid rash
  • angioedema
  • itching
  • conjunctival redness
  • tearing
  • qatar
  • sneezing
  • cough
  • hoarseness
  • shortness of breath
  • wheezing
  • mouth itching
  • nausea
  • colic abdominal pain
  • gastroesophageal reflux
  • vomiting
  • fresh blood in stool
  • diarrhea

Cow's milk allergy - research

If allergy to cow's milk proteins is suspected, skin prick tests, asIgE determination (in blood tests) and food provocation tests are performed.

When allergic to cow proteins is suspected, an elimination diet is also introduced. In the case of breastfed infants, the mother should eliminate from her diet all dairy products (for a period of 2 - 6 weeks), as well as egg white, which is the second most common food allergen in the youngest. In addition, she should also take vitamin D and DHA acids.

Skin tests - spot and epidermal (patch) tests

ALLERGY PROFILE - food allergy tests and more

Cow's milk allergy - treatment

Once you have confirmed your allergy to cow's milk proteins, eliminate any form of milk from your diet.

The exception is when food challenge tests show no response to a certain amount of milk or to heat-treated milk, i.e.bakery items.

In such a case, this amount of milk should still be given to the child, because there is a good chance that chronic stimulation of the immune system with a minimal amount of the allergen via the food will accelerate the development of tolerance.

Discontinuation of milk in such children exposes them to an acute allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of even minimal amounts of milk, sometimes within a few days of introducing a very restrictive dairy-free diet².

Dairy-free dietshould be followed for a minimum period of 6 months or until 9-12. month of life. After its completion, a provocation should be carried out to assess whether the period of the diet was sufficiently long.

If the tests are negative (i.e. no allergy symptoms appear), milk can be gradually introduced into the diet.

The reintroduction of milk into the diet should be started with heat-treated milk, i.e. at 180ºC for 30 minutes (in bakery products, so-called "baked" milk) ².

Further dairy products are also introduced after a provocation under the supervision of a doctor.

In children who do not develop intrinsic tolerance to milk, attempts are made to desensitize with milk using the oral method (SOTI).

If your baby is formula-fed, replace it with a highly hydrolyzed formula (also for 2-6 weeks).

In children who consume solid food and adults who are suspected of allergy to cow's milk proteins, the elimination diet is not limited to giving up milk and dairy products, but also products in which milk proteins are "hidden" .

If the symptoms persist despite a restrictive dairy-free diet, the allergy can be eliminated with high probability. It can then gradually introduce milk into the diet and then eliminate the next two most common potential food allergens, such as wheat and soy.

Relief of symptoms confirms allergy to cow's milk proteins.

In most children, the allergy to cow's milk proteins disappears

The vast majority (80-85 percent) of children allergic to cow's milk proteins develop tolerance to milk before the age of 5.

However, the chance of resolution of allergies is lower in children with high levels of sIgE against casein, reacting to heat-treated milk, allergic to other foods, especially egg, with the coexistence of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Cow's milk protein allergy - what to eat?

Milk and dairy products are the main source of calcium and vitamin D, so you shouldintroduce into the diet products that will cover the demand for these substances.

Cow's milk can be replaced with rice milk or oat milk. Better to give up soy or goat milk, because it can also cause allergies.

Calcium-rich vegetables and fruits are recommended - especially dried figs, leafy vegetables such as kale and broccoli.

At the same time, avoid sources of oxalates that limit calcium absorption, such as:

  • spinach
  • sorrel
  • rhubarb
  • black tea
  • chard

Vitamin D, in turn, will be provided by fish oil and fatty sea fish. In addition, it is formed in the body under the influence of solar radiation.

Allergy to cow's milk proteins - watch out for these products

In some products there may be "hidden" cow's milk proteins. First of all, watch out for:

  • butter and margarine
  • cold cuts, pates and other meat products, e.g. sausage
  • sweets, e.g. chocolate, candied candies, ice cream
  • dumplings, noodles
  • cereals, pasta
  • sauce or soup concentrates
  • bread and bakery products
  • chips.

Menu for a child allergic to cow's milk proteins

  • Check how much milk your baby needs daily
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Source: x-news / Dzień Dobry TVN

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Allergies